Chinese Herbal Medicine Dublin - Chinese Herbal Medicine Meath

Chinese Herbal Medicine

While I continue to be astounded by what acupuncture can do, I noticed over the earlier years of my practice that for many people more could be done to offer a greater depth to their recovery from illness or pain and assist their well being. At times, clients would be symptom free after acupuncture treatment (and remain symptom free for some time), but I would notice that an underlying weakness, deep engrained blockage, or another cause of illness remained in their body, leaving them open to a recurrence of their symptoms, or other symptoms developing at some time in the future.

This led me to more detailed research into the knowledge available in Chinese Medicine. This research and the experience of internships in Chinese Medicine hospitals helped me to understand that herbal medicine can be essential to complement acupuncture treatment, or as a stand alone treatment. I became aware that certain conditions were best treated with herbs. For example, herbal medicine is generally greatly superior to acupuncture in the treatment of skin diseases, heavy bleeding, fibroids, nodules and endometriosis, abscesses, toxic heat and many other syndromes. As a result, I studied Chinese Herbal Medicine over several years at Acupuncture Foundation, Dublin and then set up a herbal pharmacy to complement my acupuncture practice.

History

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the most highly thought-of herbal systems in the world. It has been practiced for thousands of years, with the earliest documented evidence of its use found thus far being from 2300 years ago. The efforts of early practitioners of herbal medicine in China followed shamanistic traditions. Their work served as a basis for a movement towards documentation and structured learning of herbalism. The study and practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine has continued to evolve right up to the present day.

How Herbs Are Used

The use of herbs is based upon taste, temperature, direction, function and organ/meridian relationship. It was found that, in general, sweet herbs nourish, harmonise and moisten the body, while sour herbs hold in/prevent leakage of blood etc, bitter herbs drain heat etc and dry excess fluids, pungent herbs promote movement and disperse blockage, bland herbs leach excess fluids and promote urination and salty herbs soften hardness and purge. Hot herbs, such as cinnamon, warm the body, while cool herbs, such as dandelion, clear heat. Light herbs tend to raise and move to the upper part of the body, with heavy herbs the opposite. It was noticed that certain herbs affect certain parts of the body in certain ways.

Thus, the best way to use herbs is by combining of a number of herbs to achieve the desired effect. For example, if someone has bleeding because of heat (e.g. blood in the urine, ulcerative colitis, or heavy periods with thirst etc.), a combination of cooling, bitter and sour herbs may be best to clear and drain heat and prevent bleeding. Herbs that influence the particular part of the body that the bleeding is in may need to be added, while herbs that harmonise the overall combination to make them work well together may be needed.

The result of this is that a typical Chinese Herbal formula consists of about 12 herbs that are chosen based upon how they provide the desired action, how they compliment and balance each other, how they suit the body of the person being treated and how they direct the formula to the part of the body or condition to be treated.

A herbal formula is usually boiled to make a decoction that is drunk twice per day. Other methods of preparation that we use at Morning Star Acupuncture include ointments – for skin diseases and injuries, and pills – to provide a more convenient (but usually less effective) product.

Testimonials

“Just wanted to say thanks for the amazing herbs. I'm feeling great and headaches have finally gone.”

H.M., Meath

“My waters broke two weeks early and I still didn't have any contractions a day later. We didn't want the chemical inducement and decided to try acupuncture. Colin treated me twice over two hours. Several hours later I had a 25 minute from start to finish natural labour.”

Y.Liu Dublin

"I had one unsuccessful IVF and two unsuccessful IUI procedures and had acupuncture with the two IUIs. I had another IUI planned, but my regular acupuncturist was on holiday, so I found Colin online. His acupuncture was completely different in feeling and attention to detail. I got pregnant this time and the only difference I can see from my previous procedures is the acupuncture. I have also had great help in relieving morning sickness through Colin's acupuncture."

Michelle, Meath.

"I suffered with Hay Fever for the last 5 years and bought various cures from the chemist to no avail. A friend suggested acupuncture. After 3 treatments I could feel it improving and after 6 treatments the symptoms had gone to let me enjoy the summer without the itchy eyes and nose I had for the last few summers. Thanks Morning Star."

Karl, Meath.

"I was suffering from the effects of Depression, Vertigo, Anxiety, Migraine, Nausea and Stress. I attended Colin for treatment.
Since my first visit there is a remarkable improvement in how I am feeling. I am also attending Colin for Sciatica which after 2 treatments the pain has almost gone away.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Colin. "

John Finglas.

"I had a sore lower back for 7 weeks which made doing my work very difficult. Colin gave me three acupuncture treatments. I got good relief after the first treatment and full relief after the third treatment and still have no pain three months later."

Richard.

"The treatment was amazing, I got a real boost from it."

Sharon, Meath.

"After having acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder at with Colin, I can almost lift my arm up the whole way and I have no pain at all in the shoulder. My lingering bronchitis has gone too. You have helped me more than any doctor has!"

Ann, Meath.

“I had severe back pain, which 8 physiotherapy and 4 osteopath treatments didn’t relieve. A friend recommended Colin. After 3 treatments there was a remarkable improvement, while 10 treatments completely relieved the pain. I would have no hesitation recommending Colin”

Deirdre, Foxrock

“I have had shoulder problems for two years. I got some relief from extensive physio sessions and a steroid injection. However, the problem was not fully resolved. A friend recommended Colin. Through six acupuncture and cupping sessions there was clear improvement, to the point where I now have more suppleness and longer periods without pain or stiffness. I recommend Colin as an Acupuncturist and person to anyone”

Orla, Terenure

"I just wanted to touch base with some amazing news: it turns out I'm now pregnant! I have no doubt that your work reinstated balance in my body, which was a key factor".

G.F., Meath.

“I was being referred to IVF, but after my acupuncture treatments with you it turns out I don't need it as I'm pregnant!!!! Confirmed today”

A.S., Meath

“During my second pregnancy I found myself becoming stressed and anxious. After attending my GP who couldn't really help I decided to try acupuncture. After my first session with Colin I immediately felt much calmer and more settled. I continued attending for the duration of my pregnancy and it really helped me manage my stress and get through it. I would really recommend it.”